The Milkmaid, Exeter

There's only one Milkmaid. Place of happy childhood memories, queueing up the stairs for a seat in the restaurant with my mother and father.
It's different now, well a bit. I sat downstairs and enjoyed coffee and shortbread mid-Christmas shopping. The coffee machine looked all hi-tech, but the staff are still friendly and the place was bright and clean.
I popped upstairs to use the 'facilities' and cast a nostalgic eye over the empty restaurant tables neatly laid for tomorrow's customers. The layout was still the same though the decor has changed.
Times change, but good food served in a good atmosphere will never go out of style.

Reet Petite Diner, Queen Street, South Shields

I wish, I really wish I had taken pictures of this one! Then I discovered a link to a Shields Gazette article with rather nice pics attached http://www.shieldsgazette.com/news/guitarist-opens-a-rock-n-roll-cafe-1-5504365#comments-area. I hope it opens. It was one of those days. You know, the kind of day when you move your birthday cards and discover a tenner with an exhortation to go and eat cake. And then you wander off to B&M and on the way you spot an icecream parlour and you think to yourself: 'I don't remember that, has that always been there?' And on the way back from B&M you remember the tenner and you think 'well I could have an icecream instead!' Ever had a day like that? I did today. So in I went, disturbing a no doubt well-earned coffee break, and ordered an icecream sundae and sat and was transported back in time. It was the red bench seating that did it. It was so reminiscent of a cafe I used to visit with my father when I was a child back in the 60s. It was so cosy to lean on the table and listen as the juke box played sounds of the era. So nostalgic when the icecream arrived to hear in my mind a soft and gentle geordie voice saying to the eight year old me 'Now take your time, don't rush.' Yes Dad, if you could come back to Shields this would suit you fine. But enough of this reminiscence! The icecream was fab! Well worth lingering over and well worth going back for more. Go soon, because once word gets out about this little gem you'll have to join a queue.

Macmillan Coffee morning

As you will know, in this blog names are changed to protect the guilty. It would be impossible to do that for this piece as too many guilty parties are involved. So, suffice it to say that I found myself in a house in South Shields with present and former work colleagues and people I had never met before and we all drank coffee and ate delicious cake to raise money for Macmillan Cancer research charity. The lady of the house bakes a mean coffee and walnut cake, let me tell you. The chocolate cake, scones and well, everything else looked great too. And afterwards, oh joy! A nosy parker's delight! We were offered a tour of the house. It was gorgeous. Not only does she bake, she decorates and dusts as well. Thank goodness for people who are generous with their time and talents for a good cause. And who are welcoming and hospitable too. May your efforts be rewarded and may a British Bake-off soggy bottom be far from you.

The Plant Cafe, Cathedral Green, Exeter

Looking back nostalgically over last week spent in Devon, Exeter comes top of the sighs league.  I love the city because I was born there and because of happy family memories and special places.  That said, it is always nice to find somewhere new, and when my relative and I were looking for a place to grab a quick coffee we noticed The Plant Cafe tucked into a little corner.

We sat outside and enjoyed views of the wonderful cathedral.  I munched a slice of raspberry and beetroot cake and sipped a chai latte. M chewed on a buzz bar (plenty of healthy things) and drank coffee.  We were both pleased with our choice.

Right:  on to the pen picture.  Small, historic-looking building in a quiet area of the Green.  Tables outside - ideal for this weather.  Inside it's cosy and crowded -  a mix of locals and visitors.  The food is wholesome - possibly organic, possibly vegetarian (how vague!) - and you could certainly try something a little different here.  It's also a bit of a community hub by the looks of the huge noticeboard advertising all manner of events and services locally.  Again, I didn't examine in detail but it would be a good place to start if you wanted to get to know what's on in the city.

Yes, The Plant Cafe has atmosphere.  Exeter was once castigated as a clone town.  Hmmm.  Cafes like this give the lie to that.

Bubble Cha: traditional Taiwanese bubble tea, Stowell Street

I spotted this one a few weeks ago and resolved to visit as soon as possible.  Bubble tea?  Neveer heard of it!  However, thanks to the wonders of the internet I was able to read that it is a relatively new phenomenon in the tea drinking world, and the sheer variety of ingredients made my head spin somewhat.

So, today I approached Bubble Cha in the sunshine and was relieved to see that others (young, Chinese and European) were also beating a path to the door.

Inside the cafe is compact with a stunning array of colour-changing bubble lights over the counter.  We had lampshades like that in the bathroom at home when I was young, but there are no more similarities between the cafe and my childhood home.

I was slightly perplexed by the choices on offer, but the young friendly staff helped me choose black tea with milk and coconut and small tapioca and ice.  Yes, the black stuff you can see at the bottom of the cup really is tapioca.  You get a huge straw to suck them up with.  The cake deserves a mention too - lovely cooked cheesecake - absolutely delicious!

I sat at one of the bench seats and wrestled with my drink.  You see, the cup comes sealed with cellophane which I tried to peel off - wrong!  The correct way is to stab the cellophane with the straw and then drink.  So now you know, don't make my mistake.

We have established that the cake was delicious.  Now to the drink.  Did I really sit in a cafe sucking up tapioca through a straw?   It sounds so improbable but yes, I did that thing.  Did it taste like tea?  Well, not Ringtons, but it was tasty and refreshing - more like a milkshake.  And there are seemingly never ending possible combinations of black tea, green tea, fruit tea, fruits, beans, stuff I've never heard of and an array of toppings.  It seems that savoury snacks are served too.  All of which adds up to very good reasons to go back and try something completely different.  You could probably visit every day for a month and have something different each time.

Oh, and the prices are reasonable too.

Tutti Frutti Ice Cream Parlour, Whitburn

The first time I tried to sample the delights of Tutti Frutti it was closed following a break-in.  Break-in at an icecream parlour?  It wasn't me, but I could almost applaud this as the perfect crime without of course condoning all the inconvenience and loss of trade etc etc, especially at the hottest time of the year.

On my return visit, order had been restored and a sprinkling of locals were enjoying not only icecream but coffees and sandwiches.  What to order?  This recent heat has fried my brain and I really couldn't decide between the variety of cleverly named ices  - all of which seemed to feature a fearsome array of sprinkles, crumbs, mini pieces etc etc.  So I opted for the good old fashioned banana split!  I got the choose my three scoops of icecream and soon a banana smothered in toffee fudge, lemon meringue and white chocolate and, naturally, squirty cream was mine!

I enjoyed every mouthful seated on a 50s style bench seat and listening to The Carpenters blasting the past down the airwaves.

I reflect that Whitburn is turning into a bit of a teashop heaven.  You can of course have your walk along the cliffs,beach or in the countryside first, but there's plenty of free parking if you just want to make straight for the food!

Valley Gardens tearoom, Saltburn

Yes, I've been on tour today, and what with railways, sun and cakes a day out feels like a month's holiday!  I have to confess that on my previous visit to Saltburn I wasn't over-impressed (I think we arrived late and it was closed).  Today it was vibrant - queues for fish and chips, yarn bombed pier, a better shopping experience than I remember, and the Valley Gardens.  We certainly didn't venture down into those the last visit.

After a little local difficulty (signposting isn't all it should be), I managed to negotiate the steep, unmade paths to the valley floor.  Lots of play equipment for the kids - I was particularly impressed with the miniature watermill, most educational!  And then a few more false starts and dead ends (and a chain link bridge!) until I finally made it to the tearoom.

The tables were set out in a pleasant grassy area, and I honestly only intended to have an icecream - until I spotted the Victoria sponge.  When the book of Victoria sponges comes to be written, this will feature highly.  Homemade, of course, thick layer of jam in the middle, thick layer of buttercream icing on top.  The spaniel from the neighbouring table eyed the cake longingly but he didn't get a look in.  The British may be a nation of animal lovers, but this Brit ain't sharing any cake!

Traveller's Rest cafe, Middlesbrough railway station

To me it's always a railway station, never a train station.  And railway stations are always exciting places, an air of purpose, arrivals from adventures, departures to visit old friends, somehow the romance of steam lingers on in diesel.

And the cafes, now they used to be known as the buffet, when did that change?  And when did the stale sandwich and slopped cup of stewed tea poured from a huge pot combo change?  1964?  Ah, nostalgia!  The Traveller's Rest shows us the modern face of railway catering.  We're talking privately run, with wooden floors, with sofas, with neat little tables from those of us who like to do things properly, with newspapers to read.  We're talking light and airy.  We're talking special offer on toasted teacake and hot drink AND they bring it to your table so you don't have to struggle AND both teacake and drink were lovely.

It was just so civilised, so railway!  And on a quirky note, a pigeon walked (yes, walked) in, roamed round the sofas and finding not so much as a crumb to tempt him, he walked out again.  They train their pigeons well down in Middlesbrough,

Bill Quay Community Farm cafe

The sun is out!  The first time for about 18 months, it seems. I'm on holiday!  And here is the first of a crop of new cafes!

I discovered Bill Quay a few weeks ago when looking for a secondhand book shop (another story, possibly another blog) and was quite taken with the views down the river and the general atmosphere of the place.

Going back to explore further on a fine summer's day, I strolled round the community farm (free entry) and felt totally relaxed in beautiful countryside.  And after a stroll I needed refreshment, so luckily there was a cafe...

The cafe boasts that it uses fine local ingredients, has a low carbon footprint  and so on.  This translates into Ringtons tea in your cup and homemade cakes.  I was tempted to try the rhubarb cake (never had that before) but in the end played safe with a rather delicious carrot cake.  There were a few tables inside but on such a gorgeous day there was only one place to be - out in the sun admiring the wonderful view down the Tyne.

The tables were in great demand as families came to enjoy the farm and the cafe.  There was a picnic area too for those who like to bring their own.

What more can I say?  I've already recommended it to anyone who'll listen.  And as if the atmosphere, animals and view weren't enough to draw me back, I'm still intrigued by the thought of rhubarb cake...

Mr Wood's Coffee, Railway Street, North Shields

We'd just finished the North Shields Heritage Trail when we spotted this one nestling near to the metro station.  Inside: muted colours, rounded armchairs, wooden floors.  Outside:  cafe-style tables and chairs on the pavement, and on this day drenched in golden sunshine.

We sat out - unusual for us - and enjoyed our tea and cake all the more for the sunshine and for knowing that two teas and a caramel slice cost us only £2.50!

Washington Old Hall, National Trust

A Bank holiday weekend means cafes galore!  This is the first one.  Big Bro and I headed here as he hadn't ticked the property off on his National Trust list.  I'd been before but found it better this time somehow.  We enjoyed the rooms and the nuttery gardens before heading for the tearoom.

Now, I'm sure Big Bro won't mind me saying that he often refers to the 'usual National Trust chaos' in a NT property tearoom.  Often we are talking lots of ladies in mob caps falling over each other and getting confused about who's made the tea (or not). 

However, the tearoom at Washington is run by volunteers.  There is a cheery outside eating area and inside the room is light and bright.  No sofas!  Mismatched china just like your granny had!  Bargain ornaments, jewellery and books!  The tea and cake slipped down very nicely. Everything was reasonably priced. There was no chaos to be seen, and what's more you can visit the tearoom and gardens for free, so there really is no reason not to visit.

Cafe Cenno, Durham Indoor Market

It's ages since I've been to Durham, but recently I was there with a friend who I'm discovering shares my views about browsing shops and cafes.  Did she choose to go to a cafe she already knew?  No sir, she suggested the cafe in the Indoor Market!  And as I'd never been there either, it was a voyage of discovery all round.

OK, so it's upstairs but you can get the lift up.  OK, so there are sofas but they are more kind of corner seats and very comfortable.  And you can look over the whole market - it's a great atmosphere.  And the food was great and there was plenty of choice.  We opted for beef mince pie with mushy peas and chips and we weren't disappointed.

There was a notice too stating that free cake could be had with every large coffee purchased while stocks lasted.  I don't know if that's a daily thing or just for special occasions but I'd keep an eye out for an offer like that.

It's a good 'un! 

The Banks of the Tyne, Wallsend

It's holiday time!  That means coffee time!  And so it was off to the north side of the river (I must not say the dark side.  I must not say the dark side) to meet a young friend.  We chose TBOTT because it was near and I was late, having parked in completely the wrong place and what did we find?  Well, it was a down to earth workaday place.  Very well used and obviously a lot of valued customers which always gets a gold star in my book.  We had coffee and hot chocolate respectively but forswore the cake.  Not because it didn't look nice, but just because the lady serving us took our drinks order and then didn't ask if we wanted anything else.  Not that I'm a shy bairn or anything like that, but it just proves the customer service point - always ask it there is anything else!

Would I go back?  Well, if I ever find myself on the dark side again I might be tempted by the £1.99 all day breakfast!

Denton Coffee House, West Road, Newcastle upon Tyne

Let's start with the cake, shall we?  Nice texture and covered with icing and cream - what could be nicer?  Nothing in Grace's world!  The nice lady that runs the Denton Coffee House told me that the cake was made with yogurt and that kept it moist and lovely.  I liked the oranges and lemons on the cream too, nice touch.

So, having established that the cake will be more than enough to draw me back to this establishment again, let's tell you a little more about the place itself.  You'll feel right at home.  Why? Because it's filled with furniture just like you have in your house (I'll pause here while you check that yours is still there!).  Yes, there were three piece suites, coffee tables and dining tables too, so plenty of choice.  Those who know me well can picture me at the proper dining table, but the young family in at the same time as me were happily seated on the sofa and chairs round a coffee table just like home.

What's more, there are things to buy too bric a brac, jewellery, books.  Do you know what - if I was running a cafe it would be just like this!  Bright and breezy, everything on the menu (if you must have savoury it's there, but cake comes first for me), and my pre-loved goods on sale.

In my wilder moments I imagine it on the site of an old Roman coffee shop where the legionaries used to pop in for an amphora or two before heading further along the Wall to Housesteads (I know, I know) but ancient or modern this little cafe is an asset to Denton Burn.

South Mimms Service Station, M25

Been on a jaunt to see the relatives today, it's a trek I haven't made for some time, so when Big Brother suggested we pull in at South Mimms it was a bit of a trip down memory lane.  We used to stop here on annual trips through with parents, sadly no longer with us.  We used to walk past the huge plaque announcing that the services were opened by Margaret Thatcher (where has that gone?).

Now the place seems larger, a bit more barn-like.  We made for the Eat-In eatery, and ordered coffee and muffins.  Actually we had a bargain.  The muffins were half price (£1) when purchased with coffee.  The coffee was very much to my taste as well, being mild and milky.  We sat at a time under the speaker blaring musak and surveyed the business meetings taking place nearby and the newly-arrived pensioners hobbling gamely towards the food offers.

The more cynical will believe that all services provide the same kind of service as Dick Turpin, and true, the coffee was slightly more expensive than in a high street shop, but that half price muffin made the morning with its tangy apricot pieces and moist cake mix.

We continued on our way rejoicing.

Street Spice festival, Times Square, Newcastle upon Tyne

As is usual with life, it's either all or nothing socially and I was wondering how, or indeed if, I could squeeze in a visit to the Street Spice festival.  It's been well publicised and had the very worthy aim of raising money for a brain tumour charity.  In the end the only time I could manage was a quick visit on Saturday early evening after work.   I'm glad I went. 

Parking in Westgate Road was easy and I cut through by the Settle Down cafe (qv) and was soon at the Centre for Life.  (I had also managed a quick raid on M&S, and was pleasantly surprised to see how busy the town was.  I'd popped in on Tuesday evening to find it very empty.  And so, sparing kind words of direction for lost North American tourists, I was on my way to Street Spice.)  The marquee was bustling and there was a discreet and reassuring security presence.  It was a little crowded what with buggies and all, but I managed to fight my way round and see the fine array of fare on offer.  But what to choose?  Play safe with a vegetable samosa?  Coffee and cake?  Buy chilli sauce for home use?  Jamican rum dumplings!  Could I then drive home?  Eventually I settled, for Vietnamese potato cakes courtesy of Electric East.  The lady serving was dressed to indoctrinate but probably not kill and the food was beautifully served in a little cardboard dish.  I took advice and added the sweet salsa and the yogurt dressing and stood in a corner and ate.

This was my introduction to Vietnamese food and I liked it.  I liked the tangy and tingly sensation on my lips and tongue, without the food being ;'hot' in a spicy way.  I could have carried on experiencing new food sensations had time and money permitted, but sadly I had to make that do.  Will the festival happen again?  I hope so, and judging by the crowds it would be a popular event.  Next time I will allow much more time and go along with a fat wallet and a thin waistline and watch them change places!

Kylin Chinese buffet, Ocean Road, South Shields

Just in case you were thinking I was starving myself - not the case at all!  In fact this afternoon a friend and I were stuffing ourselves silly at the Grand Buffet at Kylin.  I hadn't visited before but had heard good things about the place and indeed I was impressed.  And Chinese new year too - what an auspicious day to visit!

So, from the street through the double doors into a roomy foyer and then into the restaurant proper.  The former Leveys DIY store has been transformed into a palace!  Comfortable chairs and tables, a respectable distance apart; beautiful decor; friendly and helpful staff but not too overpowering; good-looking tasty food!  What more could you want?  We sat and chatted and munched our way through seaweed, dim sum, noodles, chicken in various forms, rice, duck - all your favourites are here - and there's even puds!  Puds are a bit English i.e. cheesecake and icecream but I'm not complaining.  However, I did once have an amazing coconut pud in another chinese buffet and have heard rumours about toffee apple balls? (can this be right??)

All in all, a clean, friendly, happy place and a credit to South Shields!

Morrisons supermarket

A small hurrah for Morrisons in these austere times!  I got a chunk of Battenberg and a big cup and a half of tea for just £1.54 today.  The surroundings are clean and tidy.  The staff are efficient.  And what's more you can afford to go out for coffee with friends!

Wendy's Coffee Shop, Union Street, Newton Abbot

Another recent(ish) Newton cafe that I visited between Christmas and New Year.

Wendy's is a tiny coffee shop just off the main street, but Union Street looks to be thriving now - plenty of new shops opening.  There were two or three tables, most of the occupied, so I opted unusually to sit on the sofa, where I had a good view of all the comings and goings down the street.  Not that many people were about on a wet, blustery day.  There was an array of individually wrapped cupcakes and cake bars on display, plus a hot food menu, but I opted for just a white coffee.  The coffee tasted good and the service was efficient and friendly.  Also, the customers seemed all to be regulars which is always a good advertisement.  Two ladies were having a heart-to-heart about their families and everybody else's families - Wendy's is too small for that, we all could hear every word.  That said, I'd definitely go again - ideal clean, tidy, cosy place for a quick coffee in the heart of town.